Isolation

We went for a drive south to the North Pennines today. We had hoped to have lunch in Blanchland but our destination, the White Monk Refectory and Tea Room was closed. We decided to carry on with our route and climbed up to Packlet’s Gate (between Townfield and Rookhope on National Cycle Route 7 - we were in the car by the way!). The elevation here is 510m (1673 feet). I could see The Cheviot, some forty miles away. Today it was warm and breezy. In the winter it can be a challenging environment. Onward we went back into Northumberland to Allenheads and the Hemmel Cafe for a scone and coffee. We then dropped in on a friend in Allendale Town before returning home via Haydon Bridge. A lovely day out. The heather is showing too.